How Far Away Is Atlanta, Georgia? A Practical Distance Guide for Locals and Visitors

When people ask “How far away is Atlanta, Georgia?”, they’re usually trying to figure out how long it takes to get here—or how far Atlanta is from other major cities, attractions, or transportation hubs.

Whether you live in Atlanta, are planning a visit, or are just trying to understand where Atlanta sits on the map, this guide breaks down distances and travel times in a clear, practical way.

Where Exactly Is Atlanta, Georgia?

Atlanta is located in north-central Georgia, roughly:

• About halfway between the mountains of North Georgia and the Georgia coast
• At the intersection of major interstates: I‑75, I‑85, and I‑20
• Just south of Buckhead and north of Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) if you imagine the city on a north–south line

This central position makes Atlanta a regional transportation hub, which is why so many trips in the Southeast start or end here.

How Far Is Atlanta From Major U.S. Cities?

If you’re in Atlanta and wondering how far you are from other well-known cities—or trying to reach Atlanta from elsewhere—here’s a simplified look at approximate driving distances and times.

Atlanta Distance Snapshot to Major Cities

For air travel, many of these cities are just a 1–2 hour flight away from Atlanta, thanks to the city’s role as a major airline hub.

How Far Is Atlanta From Within Georgia?

If you’re already in Georgia and trying to figure out how far Atlanta is from your town, here are common in-state distances.

Common Georgia Cities and Their Distance to Atlanta

• Atlanta to Savannah

  • Distance: ~250 miles
  • Driving time: ~4 hours via I‑75 and I‑16

• Atlanta to Augusta

  • Distance: ~150 miles
  • Driving time: ~2–2.5 hours via I‑20

• Atlanta to Macon

  • Distance: ~85 miles
  • Driving time: ~1.5 hours via I‑75 South

• Atlanta to Columbus

  • Distance: ~110 miles
  • Driving time: ~1.5–2 hours via I‑85 South and I‑185

• Atlanta to Athens (University of Georgia)

  • Distance: ~70–75 miles
  • Driving time: ~1.5 hours via GA‑316 or US‑78

• Atlanta to Rome, GA

  • Distance: ~70 miles
  • Driving time: ~1.5 hours via I‑75 North and GA‑140/GA‑53

• Atlanta to North Georgia Mountains (e.g., Dahlonega, Blue Ridge)

  • Dahlonega: ~70 miles, ~1.5 hours
  • Blue Ridge: ~90 miles, ~1.75–2 hours

For many Georgia residents, Atlanta sits within a 2–4 hour drive, making it a frequent destination for concerts, sports, medical appointments, and flights.

How Far Is Atlanta From Hartsfield–Jackson Airport and Around Town?

If you’re already in Atlanta, “how far away is Atlanta?” usually means:

• How far is downtown from the airport?
• How far is Midtown from Buckhead?
• How long will it take to cross town?

Key Local Distances in Metro Atlanta

• Atlanta Airport (ATL) to Downtown Atlanta

  • Distance: ~10 miles
  • Driving time: ~15–25 minutes in light traffic, longer at rush hour
  • MARTA rail: About 15–20 minutes from Airport Station to Five Points or Peachtree Center

• Downtown to Midtown

  • Distance: ~2–3 miles
  • Driving time: ~10–15 minutes depending on traffic and signals
  • MARTA: Just a few minutes between stations (Five Points to North Avenue, Midtown, or Arts Center)

• Midtown to Buckhead (Lenox/Phipps area)

  • Distance: ~5–7 miles
  • Driving time: ~15–25 minutes
  • MARTA: Around 10–15 minutes from Midtown or Arts Center to Lenox or Buckhead stations

• Downtown to Perimeter Center (Sandy Springs/Dunwoody area)

  • Distance: ~12–15 miles
  • Driving time: ~20–35 minutes, often longer during peak traffic

• Downtown to Truist Park (Cumberland area)

  • Distance: ~10–12 miles
  • Driving time: ~20–35 minutes depending on game day traffic

Inside the Perimeter (I‑285), many neighborhoods are physically close but time‑consuming to reach during rush hour, so travel time can matter more than pure distance.

Understanding Travel Time vs. Distance in Atlanta

When you ask how far away something is “from Atlanta,” you usually need both miles and minutes.

Key Factors That Affect Travel Time

• Rush hour traffic

  • Morning: roughly 6:30–9:30 a.m.
  • Evening: roughly 3:30–7:00 p.m.
    A 10‑mile trip can take anywhere from 15 minutes to 45+ minutes.

• Interstate vs. surface streets

  • I‑75, I‑85, I‑20, GA‑400, and I‑285 are faster in light traffic but can slow to a crawl.
  • Surface streets like Peachtree Street, Northside Drive, or Piedmont can be predictable but slower overall.

• Events and game days

  • Major events at Mercedes‑Benz Stadium, State Farm Arena, Georgia World Congress Center, or Truist Park can add significant time.

• Weather

  • Heavy rain in Atlanta can slow traffic considerably, even if the distance is short.

If you’re planning a trip to or from Atlanta, add a buffer of at least 20–30 minutes during busy times, especially if you’re catching a flight or a train.

How Far Is Atlanta by Air, Train, and Bus?

You don’t have to drive to understand how far away Atlanta is. You can also think in travel hours using other transportation options.

By Air: Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)

Atlanta is home to Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport, one of the busiest airports in the world.

• Address: 6000 N Terminal Pkwy, Atlanta, GA 30320
• Distance from downtown: ~10 miles
• Typical flight times to/from Atlanta:
  • To Miami: ~1.5–2 hours
  • To New York City: ~2–2.5 hours
  • To Chicago: ~2 hours
  • To Dallas: ~2 hours
  • To Los Angeles: ~4–4.5 hours
  • To Denver: ~3 hours
  • To Washington, DC: ~1.5–2 hours

For many people across the U.S., Atlanta is 2–4 hours away by plane, which explains the number of direct flights.

By Train: Amtrak

Amtrak serves Atlanta via the Peachtree Station:

• Address: 1688 Peachtree St NW, Atlanta, GA 30309

The main long-distance route through Atlanta connects New Orleans, Atlanta, and New York City. Approximate train durations:

• New Orleans ↔ Atlanta: often ~12 hours
• Atlanta ↔ New York City: often ~18–20 hours

Train travel is generally much slower than flying but can be an option if you prefer not to drive or fly.

By Bus: Intercity Bus Services

Intercity bus companies operate out of central points such as:

• Greyhound / Intercity Terminal (location can shift over time; check for the current downtown or near-downtown station)
• Other national bus carriers with stops in or near the downtown and Midtown areas

Approximate bus durations from Atlanta:

• To Birmingham, AL: ~3 hours
• To Charlotte, NC: ~4–5 hours
• To Orlando, FL: ~8–9 hours

Bus trips typically take a bit longer than driving yourself but can be cost-effective.

How Far Is Atlanta From Major Attractions and Regions?

If you live in Atlanta or you’re staying in the city, you may want to know how far you are from popular day-trip or weekend destinations.

North Georgia Mountains and Outdoor Spots

From Atlanta, you’re only a short drive from the mountains:

• Stone Mountain Park (Stone Mountain, GA)

  • ~20 miles east of downtown
  • ~30–40 minutes by car

• Lake Lanier (Gainesville/Buford area)

  • ~45–55 miles northeast
  • ~1–1.5 hours by car

• Helen, GA (Bavarian-style mountain town)

  • ~90 miles northeast
  • ~1.75–2 hours

• Blue Ridge, GA

  • ~90 miles north
  • ~1.75–2 hours

Georgia Coast and Beaches

Atlanta isn’t on the coast, but you can reach beaches within a half-day’s drive:

• Savannah, GA

  • ~250 miles southeast
  • ~4 hours by car

• Tybee Island, GA (near Savannah)

  • ~270 miles from Atlanta
  • ~4–4.5 hours by car

• Jekyll Island / St. Simons Island, GA

  • ~320–330 miles
  • ~5–5.5 hours

Florida Beaches From Atlanta

Common Florida beach destinations and their approximate distances:

• Panama City Beach, FL

  • ~295 miles southwest
  • ~4.5–5 hours

• Destin, FL

  • ~315–330 miles
  • ~5–5.5 hours

• Jacksonville Beach, FL

  • ~360–370 miles
  • ~5.5–6 hours

From Atlanta, many beaches are within a day’s drive, making them popular weekend options.

Tips for Estimating “How Far Away” Something Is From Atlanta

When you’re planning a trip to, from, or within Atlanta, use these quick guidelines:

1. Under 10 miles inside the city

   • Time: 15–30 minutes in light to moderate traffic
   • Between nearby intown neighborhoods

2. 10–25 miles in metro Atlanta

   • Time: 25–60 minutes, depending heavily on peak hours
   • Typical range: Midtown ↔ Perimeter, Downtown ↔ Cumberland, etc.

3. 50–100 miles from Atlanta

   • Time: 1–2 hours
   • Reaches many medium-sized Georgia cities and North Georgia destinations

4. 250 miles from Atlanta

   • Time: ~4–5 hours driving
   • Atlanta to Savannah, Charlotte, or parts of northern Florida

5. 400–500 miles from Atlanta

   • Time: ~6–8 hours driving or 1–1.5 hour flight
   • Reaches Florida’s central Gulf and Atlantic coasts, New Orleans, and similar distances

6. 800–900 miles from Atlanta

   • Time: ~12–14 hours driving or 2–3 hour flight
   • Roughly the distance to New York City and parts of the Northeast

Helpful Local Points of Reference in Atlanta

If you’re giving directions, estimating rideshare costs, or choosing a hotel, it helps to know central Atlanta “anchors” and roughly how far away they are from one another.

• Downtown Atlanta (around Peachtree St SW, Five Points area)
  – Near: State Capitol, Georgia State University, Mercedes‑Benz Stadium, State Farm Arena

• Midtown Atlanta (around Peachtree St NE & 10th St)
  – ~2 miles north of Downtown
  – Near: Georgia Tech, Piedmont Park, Fox Theatre, Arts Center

• Buckhead (around Peachtree Rd NE & Lenox Rd NE)
  – ~6 miles north of Downtown
  – Near: Lenox Square, Phipps Plaza, Buckhead Village area

• Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
  – ~10 miles south of Downtown
  – Connected via I‑85 and MARTA’s Red and Gold lines

When you say something is “about 15 minutes from Downtown” or “just north of the Perimeter,” locals will usually understand the general distance and direction right away.

In simple terms, how far away is Atlanta, Georgia?
From much of the Southeast, it’s often within a one-day drive, and from many major U.S. cities, it’s just a short flight away. Inside the metro area, the actual time it takes can matter more than mileage, so always consider both distance and Atlanta traffic when planning your trip.